Keane agrees new LA Galaxy deal

Los Angeles Galaxy striker Robbie Keane has "verbally agreed" a new contract that could keep him in Major League Soccer for another three years.

Robbie Keane is hopeful of making the move into management when his playing career ends.

Keane left Premier League side Tottenham for L.A. in 2011 and although last season ended in playoff defeat at the hands of Real Salt Lake, the Republic of Ireland captain is happy to extend his stay at the club.

"I’ve just verbally agreed a two-year contract, maybe extending to three," said 33-year-old Keane, according to Sky Sports News.

"I’m certainly excited about that and playing for the Galaxy in the future. I didn’t think I was going to go there and then come back to the Premier League, but I’m enjoying my football there and the club has been very good to me.

"As soon as you hit that 30 age mark in football, people are reluctant to give you contracts but this will be the third contract I’ve signed since I’ve been there and it shows the faith they have in me."

Keane went on to defend the quality of the MLS, as he suggested the overseas stars who are plying their trade in America cannot treat the experience as an easy option at the back end of their careers.

"Since I’ve been there, it’s been a strong league," he added. "It’s a tough league because of the structure that works there with everyone competing at roughly the same level. Every team can beat every other, so it’s very competitive.

"When people come over to play in it, I always tell them, 'don’t think you’re coming over for a holiday'. There’s a lot of pressure on the three designated players [non-American contracted stars] as people are expecting you to deliver all the time."

Meanwhile, Keane is already turning his thoughts to career in management, after confirming he is in the process of getting his coaching qualifications.

"I’m looking to do my coaching badges in January in Ireland. The FAI has a good structure here to help players if they want to do that," he said. "It’s something I’m passionate about and need to get into if I want to stay in the game."

"I’ve still got a good few years left in me as a player, but I’m looking to do my coaching badges in January in Ireland."

Keane faces a crucial few days in his Ireland career, with new manager Martin O'Neill yet to confirm whether Ireland's all-time record goal scorer will continue in the role as national team captain.